Four Buddhist monks, including Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, have been taken into police custody following unrest near the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa in Anuradhapura today (November 12).

Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler said a total of eight individuals were taken into custody in connection with the incident.

Those detained include four Buddhist monks, one civilian woman and three civilian men.

The unrest was reported at the car park opposite the main entrance of the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, where a group of Buddhist monks, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, had been staging a fast-unto-death protest.

According to the Police Spokesperson, Ven. Rajanganaye Saddhathissa Thero sustained head injuries during the incident and is currently receiving treatment at Anuradhapura Hospital.

The incident follows tensions at the protest site after a group led by Ven. Rajanganaye Saddhathissa Thero arrived at the location.

Anuradhapura Police are conducting further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)